Synthesis Paper
So What Does it All Mean
So What Does it All Mean
Synthesis Paper by Doug Asquith
Synthesis Paper by Doug Asquith
CEP 807 Michigan State University
CEP 807 Michigan State University
-Introduction
-Introduction
I knew when I started my undergraduate degree at St. Cloud State University that I was going to need to get a Masters eventually. After all, that is how a teacher moves up in their pay scale, but I wanted it to mean more than just added pay. I said I was going to wait until I was well established in my career before starting my masters. I knew I wanted to embrace my strengths as the "techy guy" in my grade level team so I was looking for programs that would make me the go to person in my building for integrating technology into their classroom. While I was looking at different programs I came upon the Master in Arts Educational Technology (MAET) program at Michigan State University. I was so eager to get started I decided to jump in with both feet and get going right away. I am glad that I did because the program has had a profound affect on me as both a teacher and a student. What follows is a true synthesis of my time in the MAET program. These are items taken right from my classes, some items I have come across and understand better because of my time in the MAET program, and some items I think fit perfectly with the goals and aspirations of MAET students. I have included them all for a clearer picture of what I got out of my time in the MAET program at Michigan State University.
I knew when I started my undergraduate degree at St. Cloud State University that I was going to need to get a Masters eventually. After all, that is how a teacher moves up in their pay scale, but I wanted it to mean more than just added pay. I said I was going to wait until I was well established in my career before starting my masters. I knew I wanted to embrace my strengths as the "techy guy" in my grade level team so I was looking for programs that would make me the go to person in my building for integrating technology into their classroom. While I was looking at different programs I came upon the Master in Arts Educational Technology (MAET) program at Michigan State University. I was so eager to get started I decided to jump in with both feet and get going right away. I am glad that I did because the program has had a profound affect on me as both a teacher and a student. What follows is a true synthesis of my time in the MAET program. These are items taken right from my classes, some items I have come across and understand better because of my time in the MAET program, and some items I think fit perfectly with the goals and aspirations of MAET students. I have included them all for a clearer picture of what I got out of my time in the MAET program at Michigan State University.
-TPACK Model of technology integration
-TPACK Model of technology integration
In my previous districts, I have been used to the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition model (SAMR) of technology integration. To be honest a lot of the time it was referenced as a way to pat ourselves on the back “We are in the third stage of the SAMR model because we use tech to (fill in education term here).” However when I was first introduced to TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) I thought it jived well with my personal feelings on the use of technology. If technology is not being used to increase engagement, collaboration, creativity, or critical thinking, then why use it? I prefer to look at goals first and then look at the tech we have. I then think about how we can use the tools we have to achieve our goal. The motto of our district Ed Tech team is “let’s be great at what we do” and I think that mentality fits best with the TPACK model of technology integration.
In my previous districts, I have been used to the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition model (SAMR) of technology integration. To be honest a lot of the time it was referenced as a way to pat ourselves on the back “We are in the third stage of the SAMR model because we use tech to (fill in education term here).” However when I was first introduced to TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) I thought it jived well with my personal feelings on the use of technology. If technology is not being used to increase engagement, collaboration, creativity, or critical thinking, then why use it? I prefer to look at goals first and then look at the tech we have. I then think about how we can use the tools we have to achieve our goal. The motto of our district Ed Tech team is “let’s be great at what we do” and I think that mentality fits best with the TPACK model of technology integration.
-The most influential text I read in the MAET Program
-The most influential text I read in the MAET Program
In CEP 810 and in other classes in the MAET program (CEP 815 and CEP 800) I read and reread an article from the New York Times. The article It’s P.Q. and C.Q. as Much as I.Q. was written by Thomas L. Friedman back in January of 2013:
In CEP 810 and in other classes in the MAET program (CEP 815 and CEP 800) I read and reread an article from the New York Times. The article It’s P.Q. and C.Q. as Much as I.Q. was written by Thomas L. Friedman back in January of 2013:
"The winners won’t just be those with more I.Q. It will also be those with more P.Q. (passion quotient) and C.Q. (curiosity quotient) to leverage all the new digital tools to not just find a job, but to invent one or reinvent one, and to not just learn but to relearn for a lifetime."
The big takeaway for me from this article was that in the age of information a student’s passion and curiosity will determine their achievement as much as their intelligence. Upon reading this article it instantly resonated with me. I had intuitively known there is more to student success than their IQ or their GPA, and the article echoed that sentiment. The article was able to express concepts about PQ and CQ that I instantly understood but before reading had never been able to understand. Like when you find that perfect song to describe a relationship you are in, the article jived with me and my view of education in the 21st century. I have since shared this class with the director of the gifted and talented program in my district and other administrators as a way of describing to teachers the qualities we are looking for in students referred to the gifted and talented program in our district. We also read Passion Quotient: How it Matters More than IQ by Virender Kapoor to see if we could align this concept with our program goals. The idea has been embraced to start and we are seeing less referrals (because some teachers would refer half of their class), but more successful referrals. Thomas L Friedman's article helped me to craft both my Education and Technology Vision Statement and my Theory of Learning as well. For that reason the PQ, CQ, IQ article was the most influential text I read during my MAET program.
The big takeaway for me from this article was that in the age of information a student’s passion and curiosity will determine their achievement as much as their intelligence. Upon reading this article it instantly resonated with me. I had intuitively known there is more to student success than their IQ or their GPA, and the article echoed that sentiment. The article was able to express concepts about PQ and CQ that I instantly understood but before reading had never been able to understand. Like when you find that perfect song to describe a relationship you are in, the article jived with me and my view of education in the 21st century. I have since shared this class with the director of the gifted and talented program in my district and other administrators as a way of describing to teachers the qualities we are looking for in students referred to the gifted and talented program in our district. We also read Passion Quotient: How it Matters More than IQ by Virender Kapoor to see if we could align this concept with our program goals. The idea has been embraced to start and we are seeing less referrals (because some teachers would refer half of their class), but more successful referrals. Thomas L Friedman's article helped me to craft both my Education and Technology Vision Statement and my Theory of Learning as well. For that reason the PQ, CQ, IQ article was the most influential text I read during my MAET program.
-My transition from Classroom Teacher to Technology Specialist to Media Center Digital Learning Specialist.
-My transition from Classroom Teacher to Technology Specialist to Media Center Digital Learning Specialist.
When I started the MAET program at Michigan State University I was a 4th grade classroom teacher. While I felt okay sharing my ideas and the technology I learned about with my grade level teammates, I wanted to expand my level of influence and take on more of a leadership role. I then accepted a job as a Technology Specialist at a charter school near my house. I found it fulfilling to be helping both students and teachers bring technology into their education, but I also missed having the regular interaction with students that I had as a classroom teacher. Also I was viewed by many of my colleagues as a Mr. Fix-it, the person you call to get stuff working but could not help with teaching. When I saw my current job posted it sounded like the perfect blend of student interaction, faculty support and district leadership I was looking for. Plus it fit perfectly with my personal theory of learning (developed in CEP 800):
When I started the MAET program at Michigan State University I was a 4th grade classroom teacher. While I felt okay sharing my ideas and the technology I learned about with my grade level teammates, I wanted to expand my level of influence and take on more of a leadership role. I then accepted a job as a Technology Specialist at a charter school near my house. I found it fulfilling to be helping both students and teachers bring technology into their education, but I also missed having the regular interaction with students that I had as a classroom teacher. Also I was viewed by many of my colleagues as a Mr. Fix-it, the person you call to get stuff working but could not help with teaching. When I saw my current job posted it sounded like the perfect blend of student interaction, faculty support and district leadership I was looking for. Plus it fit perfectly with my personal theory of learning (developed in CEP 800):
"My goal as an educator is for my students to become lifelong learners. As they grow and develop, if they are actively engaged in their education they can be empowered to overcome obstacles, rise to any challenge, and be successful in their future endeavours. "
I have been blessed to be able to put into practice the principles and lessons I gleamed from my time in the MAET program: how to best integrat tech into the classroom, evaluating technology, using research to support our actions and much more. It has truly been a pleasure to to share that knowledge with others to help engage and empower students in their education.
I have been blessed to be able to put into practice the principles and lessons I gleamed from my time in the MAET program: how to best integrat tech into the classroom, evaluating technology, using research to support our actions and much more. It has truly been a pleasure to to share that knowledge with others to help engage and empower students in their education.
-Leadership in Technology leading to my current job
-Leadership in Technology leading to my current job
Around March 2016 I saw a posting for a district near where I live for a Media and Digital Learning Specialist. What really appealed to me about this job was the chance to work with other professionals to bring technology to the students in their classroom. This position also had a district component to it where I would be on the district Ed Tech committee and the chair of my building EdTech team. I knew by applying for this position I would be put into a position of leadership within my school and the district. I made a decision to include with the materials requested by the district in the application a copy of my Education and Technology Vision Statement.
Around March 2016 I saw a posting for a district near where I live for a Media and Digital Learning Specialist. What really appealed to me about this job was the chance to work with other professionals to bring technology to the students in their classroom. This position also had a district component to it where I would be on the district Ed Tech committee and the chair of my building EdTech team. I knew by applying for this position I would be put into a position of leadership within my school and the district. I made a decision to include with the materials requested by the district in the application a copy of my Education and Technology Vision Statement.
"My goal as an educator is to prepare my students to be productive members of society in the twenty-first century and become lifelong learners. I believe to achieve that goal students need equitable access to information, to be given support to pursue their passions and inquires, and to share what they have found and learned with others through the use of media like programs, blogs, songs, art or models. All of these can be achieved through the use of technology and integrating it into the classroom’s curriculum."
This document was created during CEP 815 Leadership and Technology, a class I took during my MAET program (just my luck the semester before the job was posted). The statement incorporated principles I had developed throughout my time as a professional and my time in the MAET program. The professors were very helpful and provided me with feedback that helped me develop my own vision instead of forcing their visions on me. When I was contacted about the interview one of the comments from the principle was how she liked that I had a clear vision for the relationship of education and technology. The Vision Statement definitely helped me get the interview for my current position, the work and lessons learned during my MAET program is what got me the job and allowed me to excel and continue for another year.
This document was created during CEP 815 Leadership and Technology, a class I took during my MAET program (just my luck the semester before the job was posted). The statement incorporated principles I had developed throughout my time as a professional and my time in the MAET program. The professors were very helpful and provided me with feedback that helped me develop my own vision instead of forcing their visions on me. When I was contacted about the interview one of the comments from the principle was how she liked that I had a clear vision for the relationship of education and technology. The Vision Statement definitely helped me get the interview for my current position, the work and lessons learned during my MAET program is what got me the job and allowed me to excel and continue for another year.
-CEP 810’s Project for all ages
-CEP 810’s Project for all ages
Still to date, CEP 810 Teaching Understanding with Technology has one of the most fun projects I have done in my entire academic career. It was called a Network Learning Project and the premise was simple: Learn about something you have always wanted to, but you can only use online resources. Seeing the range of different projects from past classes and my classmates was truly inspiring. For my project I chose to indulge in my nerd side and I learned how to play Dungeons and Dragons. This required me to watch lots of videos, go on to many how to forums and ask questions on D&D communities online. It was fun and I can say I have played the game since completing this class. Since finishing the class I have incorporated a network learning style project in my media and odyssey classes, Genius Hour. Genius Hour allows students to follow their passion and curiosity to empower and engage them in learning. The only change I make for my students is they are allowed to use books and other media as well. This type of project is at the core of what it means to be a life long learner and that is why it is the perfect project for learners of all ages.
Still to date, CEP 810 Teaching Understanding with Technology has one of the most fun projects I have done in my entire academic career. It was called a Network Learning Project and the premise was simple: Learn about something you have always wanted to, but you can only use online resources. Seeing the range of different projects from past classes and my classmates was truly inspiring. For my project I chose to indulge in my nerd side and I learned how to play Dungeons and Dragons. This required me to watch lots of videos, go on to many how to forums and ask questions on D&D communities online. It was fun and I can say I have played the game since completing this class. Since finishing the class I have incorporated a network learning style project in my media and odyssey classes, Genius Hour. Genius Hour allows students to follow their passion and curiosity to empower and engage them in learning. The only change I make for my students is they are allowed to use books and other media as well. This type of project is at the core of what it means to be a life long learner and that is why it is the perfect project for learners of all ages.
-CEP 811 and my maker movement introduction
-CEP 811 and my maker movement introduction
I am trying very hard to evangelize my administrator towards Makerspaces in our school. We have the plan with rotating materials between my elementary school (Legos), the other elementary school in the district (Raspberry Pi) and the middle school in our district (3D Printer), and each trimester we would exchange and feature different products. I was first introduced to Makerspaces in my CEP 811 Adapting Innovative Technology for education class. Ever since I have thought about how these spaces can be used to engage and reach students who the traditional classroom activities have missed. Beyond the cool factor of the different activities, it is also a great way for students to explore different career choices they might not otherwise consider. I know that has been a major selling point to the administrator. The major road block seems to be space, but with our transition to Chromebooks I am hoping that in a couple of years when the computer lab is removed in exchange for more devices, we can use that room as a designated Makerspace. Until then we will continue to utilize the space and materials we have to engage and empower our students. In my district there is a big push for Career and Technology Education (CTE). While mainly at the high school, this program is a great way for students to explore different trades to learn postsecondary at a tech or community college. While some of these programs may not be safe for elementary students (imagine a kindergartener welding...) makerspaces can be a way to introduce and get students excited for about applying what they have learned directly to creating with their hands.
I am trying very hard to evangelize my administrator towards Makerspaces in our school. We have the plan with rotating materials between my elementary school (Legos), the other elementary school in the district (Raspberry Pi) and the middle school in our district (3D Printer), and each trimester we would exchange and feature different products. I was first introduced to Makerspaces in my CEP 811 Adapting Innovative Technology for education class. Ever since I have thought about how these spaces can be used to engage and reach students who the traditional classroom activities have missed. Beyond the cool factor of the different activities, it is also a great way for students to explore different career choices they might not otherwise consider. I know that has been a major selling point to the administrator. The major road block seems to be space, but with our transition to Chromebooks I am hoping that in a couple of years when the computer lab is removed in exchange for more devices, we can use that room as a designated Makerspace. Until then we will continue to utilize the space and materials we have to engage and empower our students. In my district there is a big push for Career and Technology Education (CTE). While mainly at the high school, this program is a great way for students to explore different trades to learn postsecondary at a tech or community college. While some of these programs may not be safe for elementary students (imagine a kindergartener welding...) makerspaces can be a way to introduce and get students excited for about applying what they have learned directly to creating with their hands.
"Make every working man a scholar, and every scholar a working man."
William Wirt
-Conclusion
-Conclusion
So there you have it. The combination of what I have learned in the course of two years, five months, two weeks, 10 classes, countless assignments and many more lessons learned. I have enjoyed my time in the MAET program. My biggest regret in the program is I was unable to take some of the electives courses (either because of my schedule or I was taking a different elective). I have definitely developed as an educator, as an academic, as a professional, and as a person. I have transitioned from a classroom teacher unable to explain his views on learning in the 21st century to a technology leader within my district with a clear vision for the use of technology and its role in education. Though my time in the MAET program is coming to a close, my education and development will continue.
So there you have it. The combination of what I have learned in the course of two years, five months, two weeks, 10 classes, countless assignments and many more lessons learned. I have enjoyed my time in the MAET program. My biggest regret in the program is I was unable to take some of the electives courses (either because of my schedule or I was taking a different elective). I have definitely developed as an educator, as an academic, as a professional, and as a person. I have transitioned from a classroom teacher unable to explain his views on learning in the 21st century to a technology leader within my district with a clear vision for the use of technology and its role in education. Though my time in the MAET program is coming to a close, my education and development will continue.
Image citation:
Image citation:
https://lborukedtech.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/tpack2.jpg
http://matt-koehler.com/tpack2/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/TPACK-new.png
http://www.virenderkapoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/passion-quotient.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/3d/d5/d3/3dd5d3d90177aeea85a34c24c7b88587.png
Hyperlinks:
Hyperlinks:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/30/opinion/friedman-its-pq-and-cq-as-much-as-iq.html
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24860264-pq
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aYkodz42PrkmpFsrSsn0LE32LOuWUT7ewN8nKMCD6nQ/edit?usp=sharing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMFQUtHsWhc
